Google Chrome won't display PDFs

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SUMMARY

Users experiencing issues with Google Chrome not displaying PDFs on macOS can resolve the problem by reinstalling the browser. The discussion highlights that the Chrome PDF Viewer may malfunction after an auto-update, leading to a blank grey webpage when attempting to open PDF links. An alternative solution is to download the PDF files and view them using macOS Preview. Users confirmed that reinstalling Chrome effectively restored PDF viewing functionality.

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  • Familiarity with Google Chrome browser settings
  • Basic understanding of macOS file management
  • Knowledge of browser extensions and their management
  • Experience with software installation and uninstallation on macOS
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  • Research how to manage Chrome extensions effectively
  • Learn about troubleshooting common issues in Google Chrome
  • Explore the functionality of macOS Preview for viewing PDFs
  • Investigate the impact of browser updates on functionality
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This discussion is beneficial for macOS users, web developers, and IT support personnel who are troubleshooting PDF viewing issues in Google Chrome.

member 428835
HI pf!

I have a mac OSX and am running the latest google chrome browser, though I cannot view pdfs. Every time I click a link that would send me to a pdf I am sent to a blank grey webpage.

Any help?
 
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try this?
https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/6213030?hl=en
 
phinds said:
try this?
https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/6213030?hl=en
Thanks for the post! Unfortunately I followed those steps, but the final step I didn't have the option of selecting. All I was allowed to do is check an "always allow to run" under Chrome PDF Viewer.
 
I run Google Chrome on a Mac and have no problem viewing pdf files. So it can be done...
 
Yea, it was working fine for me too until a few days ago! Now it's stuck for some reason.
 
joshmccraney said:
Yea, it was working fine for me too until a few days ago! Now it's stuck for some reason.
Possibly Chrome did an auto-update that somehow bollixed the PDF addon. Try reinstalling Chrome.
 
Last edited:
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Yes uninstall and reinstall Chrome. It works on my Mac mini just fine.

The other option is to download the PDF and view via macOS preview. If that doesn't work then it's a macOS issue.
 
Thanks for your advice! I'll uninstall and reinstall it! Opening .pdf files in preview works. Will keep posted on outcome.
 

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